DiSUIT's activities for the community

Within the framework of third mission activities, DiSUIT promotes the dissemination and outreach of scientific knowledge in order to contribute to the social, cultural, and economic development of society, with particular attention to the territory in which the University operates.
A key aspect of the Department’s mission is its synergy with local territorial activities.

In the Varese campus, contact has been established with various locally significant organisations, including the Museo della Barca Lariana in Pianello, the Italgeo Association in Como (linked to Giovanni De Agostini, the last descendant of the renowned dynasty of cartographers from which the Istituto Geografico De Agostini originated), the Como Civic Library, the Como Archaeological Museum, the Como Conservatory, the Accademia Aldo Galli, the Lombardy Region (for matters related to the restoration of Lake Varese), the ATS Insubria Territorial Health Authority, and scientific outreach cultural associations at all educational levels (such as Associazione Proteus in Como and the Istituto Lombardo in Milan), as well as various social organisations (for example, associations for foreign residents in Como and Varese, and senior citizens’ associations in Como and Varese) engaged in social research, and several other bodies, including the Municipality of Castiglione Olona.

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DiSUIT and industry

The relationship with the world of public and private enterprises is continuous, stimulating, and highly productive, reflecting the Department’s now solid integration within the territory. These interactions—also made possible by the DiSUIT’s innovative and multidisciplinary nature—are expressed through numerous collaborations between academic staff and economic, productive, and social organisations not exclusively located in the immediate reference area.
More specifically, this relationship takes shape through different joint activities ranging from partnerships in research projects aimed at applied research with direct impacts on production processes, to the involvement of companies in student training through internships and placements, as well as professional seminars designed to facilitate knowledge transfer and exchange of experience.
Collaboration with the industrial and business sector also takes into account the specific characteristics of the territory in terms of employment opportunities, as demonstrated by the active involvement of representatives of the economic fabric in the annual consultations organised by the degree programmes.

For detailed information on spin-offs and patents, see:

Spin off

Initiatives for citizens

The DiSUIT is engaged in numerous Public Engagement activities, including:

organisation of exhibitions, meetings, and public lectures open to the wider community;
organisation of initiatives aimed at enhancing and sharing research and knowledge, including Researchers’ Night.

Various public engagement activities have involved schools in Varese and its province (upper secondary schools, lycées, technical and vocational institutes), as well as the organisation of public lectures designed to actively disseminate knowledge and engage audiences on topics covered within the degree programme in Communication Sciences, such as scientific communication, history of science, environmental emergencies, migration, ageing and social ageing, history and art (including curated exhibitions), dissemination of the contributions of notable figures from Varese who have advanced knowledge and culture, gender stereotypes, and social issues such as gambling, as well as film screenings followed by discussions on cultural and research themes.

Within the Bachelor’s Degree in Interlinguistic and Intercultural Mediation, a well-regarded collaboration with local schools is also highlighted. To date, approximately 190 internship experiences have been carried out with the aim of promoting reception, inclusion, and integration. Students are involved in supporting pupils from other cultural backgrounds who require assistance in their educational pathway, both in terms of academic learning and linguistic-cultural integration.

Lifelong learning

The Department is involved in the organisation of numerous refresher and advanced training courses. These courses are offered throughout the year.
See also the section “Other training opportunities” on the page Degree programmes.

For a complete list, please refer to the University’s page:

Other courses